Mobile phone with a credit score meter on the screen, by a cup of coffee

What’s the average credit score in the UK?

Zubin Kavarana

By Zubin Kavarana

Your credit score affects many parts of your life, from getting a mortgage to taking out a mobile phone contract.

But what exactly counts as a good credit score in the UK? And… how does your score compare to everyone else's?

Let's explore everything you need to know about credit scores in simple terms.

What is a credit score?

A credit score is like a report card for your money habits. It's a number that shows lenders how well you manage credit and debt. Banks, credit card companies, and other lenders use this score to decide whether to lend you money.

Think of it as your financial reputation. The higher your score, the more trustworthy you appear to lenders. This means you're more likely to get approved for credit cards, loans, and mortgages. You might even get better interest rates, which saves you money.

Your credit score comes from information in your credit report. This report includes details about your bank accounts, credit cards, loans, and payment history. It also shows if you've missed payments or had serious money problems in the past.

Who creates your credit score?

In the UK, three main credit reference agencies create credit scores. These companies are Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Each agency collects information about your financial behaviour and creates a credit report and score for you.

Here's the important bit: You don't have just one credit score. You actually have three different scores - one from each agency. These scores might be different because each agency uses slightly different information and scoring methods.

Lenders usually check with one or more of these agencies when you apply for credit. Some lenders prefer one agency over another, which is why it's helpful to know all three of your scores.

In addition, lenders will then create their own score of you based on their criteria and the information they view in your credit report.

What is the average credit score in the UK?

The average credit score in the UK varies depending on which agency you're looking at. Here are the typical average scores:

Remember, these are rough averages. Your age and financial history all affect where your score sits compared to other people.

Regional differences exist too. People in London and the South East often have higher average credit scores than those in other parts of the UK. This usually reflects higher incomes and different borrowing patterns.

What is the average credit score by age?

Age

Average credit score

18-25

447

25-34

539

35-44

637

45-54

718

55-64

781

65+

839

Younger adults often have lower credit scores because they haven't had time to build a long credit history.

People in their 40s and 50s typically have the highest credit scores because they've had more time to prove they can manage credit responsibly, and are also more likely to still use multiple forms of credit.

Equifax credit score range

Equifax uses a score range from 0 to 1000. Here's how they break down their credit score bands:

Score

Band

0-438

Poor

439-530

Fair

531-670

Good

671-810

Very good

811-1000

Excellent

If your Equifax score sits in the ‘Good’ range or above, you're doing well and lenders will likely see you as a reliable borrower.

Experian credit score range

Experian uses a different scale, with scores ranging from 0 to 999. Their credit score bands look like this:

Score

Band

0-560

Very Poor

561-720

Poor

721-880

Fair

881-960

Good

961-999

Excellent

Experian's scale is the most generous of the three agencies. Many people find their Experian score is higher than their scores with other agencies. Don't worry if your scores are different - this is completely normal.

TransUnion credit score range

TransUnion uses a score range from 0 to 710. Here are their credit score bands:

Score

Band

0-550

Very Poor

551-565

Poor

566-603

Fair

604-627

Good

628-710

Excellent

TransUnion often gives lower scores than the other agencies. If your TransUnion score seems low compared to your other scores, don't panic.

Average credit score by region

Want to know how your credit score compares with your neighbours? Experian (who score out of 999) released the average credit scores by location.

The worst credit scores in the UK on average are:

  1. Kingston-Upon-Hull: 721
  2. Blaenau Gwent: 725
  3. Blackpool: 712
  4. Merthyr Tydfil: 739
  5. Middlesbrough: 720
  6. Northeast Lincolnshire: 747
  7. Knowsley: 729
  8. Hartlepool: 724
  9. North Ayrshire: 737
  10. St. Helens: 744

The best credit scores in the UK on average are:

  1. Isles of Scilly: 881
  2. Wokingham: 877
  3. Chiltern: 874
  4. Elmbridge: 872
  5. Hart: 872
  6. Waverley: 871
  7. St Albans: 871
  8. South Cambridgeshire: 867
  9. Brentwood: 850
  10. West Oxfordshire: 844

How can I improve my credit score?

The good news is that you can improve your credit score with a few simple steps.

Some of the most effective ways to boost your score include:

  • Checking your credit reports regularly: Get free copies of your credit reports from all three agencies. Look for mistakes and report any errors you find. Wrong information can drag down your score unfairly.
  • Paying all your bills on time: Set up Direct Debits for at least the minimum payments on all your credit accounts. Even one missed payment can hurt your score.
  • Keeping your credit card balances low: Try to use less than 25% of your available credit limit. If your credit card limit is £1,000, keep your balance below £250. This shows lenders you're not heavily reliant on credit.
  • Not applying for lots of credit at once: Each credit application leaves a mark on your credit file. Too many applications in a short time can make you look risky to lenders. Space out your applications and only apply when you really need credit. Using eligibility checkers where possible allows you to check the likelihood of acceptance without affecting your credit score.
  • Getting on the electoral register: Register to vote at your current address. This helps agencies verify your identity and can give your score a quick boost.
  • Keeping old accounts open: The length of your credit history matters. Keep your oldest credit card account open, even if you don't use it much. This shows you have experience managing credit over time.
  • Considering a credit builder card: If you have a poor credit score, a credit builder card can help. These cards have higher interest rates, but they're easier to get approved for. Use the card for small purchases and pay off the full balance each month.
  • Being patient: Credit score improvements take time. You might see small changes within a few months, but significant improvements usually take six months to a year of good financial behaviour.

Building a good credit score is like training for a marathon - it takes time and consistency, but the results are worth it. A higher credit score opens doors to better financial products and can save you thousands of pounds in interest over your lifetime.

Disclaimer: We make every effort to ensure content is correct when published. Information on this website doesn't constitute financial advice, and we aren't responsible for the content of any external sites.

Zubin Kavarana

Zubin Kavarana

Personal Finance Writer

Zubin is a personal finance writer with an extensive background in the finance sector, working across management and operational roles. He applies his experience in customer communication to his writing, with the aim of simplifying content to help people better understand their finances.

Mobile phone with a credit score meter on the screen, by a cup of coffee Mobile phone with a credit score meter on the screen, by a cup of coffee